Pregnant women often notice a connection between the thyroid and pregnancy, and believe that it is important to have a thyroid check-up before or during pregnancy. Experienced obstetricians always request a blood test as the symptoms of early pregnancy, such as insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, lethargy, and constipation, are very similar to those of hypothyroidism, a thyroid disease that affects women and causes symptoms like insomnia, nervousness, and weight gain.
The health of the baby must always be the priority for every pregnant mother. That is why it is necessary to have a thyroid test before and during pregnancy. By doing so, it could help prevent any serious diseases from developing in the unborn child. For example, if hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is left untreated, it could lead to premature births or stillbirths.
A proper diagnosis is extremely important, either before or during pregnancy. You have to discuss it with him/her as the case may be. Oftentimes, women with hyperthyroidism experience difficulty getting pregnant as ovulation can be problematic. However, if discovered early and treated well, fetal pregnancy complications can be avoided. In a case where a woman has thyroid disease before pregnancy, close monitoring by a qualified doctor or endocrinologist is necessary.
While it is possible to manage mild to moderate hypothyroidism in pregnant mothers, it is still important to seek treatment as soon as possible. This is because a mother’s thyroid hormone levels can have a profound impact on her baby’s health. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to a number of complications, including pre-term labor, low birth weight, and developmental delays.
Pregnant women with hyperthyroidism are usually given anti-thyroid medication as part of treatment at the initial stage. The patient is monitored constantly and treatment changes depending on the reaction of the patient to the medication. Morning sickness is one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism that may be experienced by pregnant women.
If you’re pregnant and have hyperthyroidism, treatment is available. However, this is beyond the scope of this article. In any case, it’s always better to see your doctor or other professional for advice. The website below has more information on treatment.
